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Howard Levy is a two-time Grammy Award winner and an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica as well as a pianist, composer, producer, and educator. At nineteen, he discovered how to play the diatonic harmonica as a fully chromatic instrument-an innovation that transformed it from a folk and blues staple into a vehicle for jazz, classical, and world music. He has performed and recorded with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Paquito D'Rivera, Donald Fagen, and many more. Levy has appeared on countless recordings and several film soundtracks, released more than twenty albums as a leader, and composed two concertos for diatonic harmonica. A devoted educator, his revolutionary Rhythms of the Breath books and unique teaching style continue to influence musicians worldwide.You can find more about Howard's life and music at: levyland.com.
""How a snazzy pianist became the master of the hobo harmonica, an instrument the size of half a ham sandwich, and did impossible things on it, got to meet the greats, play the blues, Puccini, the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and made friends and found peace of mind."" -Garrison KeillorAuthor and host of A Prairie Home Companion ""Of course we know that Howard Levy does the impossible on the standard diatonic ""blues harp"" harmonica, and is also a terrific pianist. But with this book, now we also know that he is an engaging writer who has led a fascinating life. This memoir is candid, fun to read, and personal-it's not only about his career. At the same time, you'll enjoy learning about how he developed his famous harmonica techniques, while Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Tito Puente, Donald Fagen, Kenny Loggins, Paquito D'Rivera and others, famous and otherwise, waltz through these pages. Enjoy!"" -Lewis PorterJazz pianist, author of Playback on Substack and John Coltrane: His Life and Music ""Harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy has been on one incredible journey in his lifetime. In his thoughtful memoir, I Speak Music, he takes us along on the ride... Interspersed with riveting tales of the road, this detailed travelogue is a comprehensive compendium of memories that Levy has compiled after his 74 years on the planet. What a great read!"" -Bill MilkowskiJazz journalist, author of Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius ""To call Howard Levy 'one of a kind' is to understate the math. He is unique, completely and absolutely. A musical master on both piano and harmonica. In this book, Howard takes us on his journey through music. He started as I did, with early piano lessons. The difference: he practiced. Actually, the difference was that he's a preternaturally musical person, fascinated by instruments, styles, techniques. It's a journey well worth sharing."" -Harry ShearerActor, author, musician, voice of The Simpsons and star of
